Bishop of Wrexham welcomes plan to modernise Catholic education provision in Flintshire
Four Catholic schools in north Wales could close under new plans to create a single 3-18 all-through Catholic school.
The proposal to close the schools in Flintshire and replace them with a single site forms part of Flintshire County Council’s school modernisation programme, will be considered by the council’s Cabinet later this month, with a formal consultation expected if the plans are approved.
The schools affected are St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, Saltney, St David’s Catholic Primary School, Mold, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Flint and St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School, Flint.
Following an assessment of all existing sites, the new school would be built on the existing sites of St Richard Gwyn and St Mary’s in Flint, bringing primary and secondary education together under one roof.
The Council is working in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Wrexham and the Welsh Government on the project, which aims to address the issue of surplus places and ensure a sustainable future for Catholic education in the county.
The Bishop of Wrexham, Peter Brignall, has welcomed the proposal.
“This projected scheme has my support and that of the Diocese,” said Bishop Peter.
“I am pleased to be working in partnership with Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Government to secure the opportunity for Catholic schools in Flintshire to provide faith-based education of the highest quality for our young people.”
The plan also includes closing St Anthony’s by September 2026 as the falling level of pupil numbers is making it “unsustainable”, Flintshire Council said.
“We currently have a significant issue with surplus places, which is unsustainable in the long term,” said Flintshire’s Chief officer for Education Claire Homard.
“This proposal is an opportunity to revitalise education and give learners the best possible opportunities.”
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the launch of a formal consultation with key stakeholders, including parents, staff, and the wider community.
If approved, the consultation will offer an opportunity for local residents to share their views and help shape the future of Catholic education in the area.
More than £140 million has been invested in Flintshire’s school estate over the past decade as part of the Council’s modernisation programme, which aims to provide high-quality, inspiring learning environments for pupils and staff.